Chapter 1: The Blade of Fire
Ever since the incident on the Mugen Train, Yuma had been practicing the hidden and secret forms of Flame Breathing. As Rengoku had told Yuma, there are three secret forms. Yuma had already mastered the first of them, Six Form, Fire that Touches the Sky. Meanwhile, Yuma had become quite the well-known man around Japan. Everyone had heard how heroic Yuma had been, valiantly assisting in the slaying of Lower one Enmu and performing the fatal blow on Upper three Akaza and subsequently saving the life of Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, who had also taught him Flame Breathing. People told stories of him and his bright red Nichirin sword, which had become known as the Hi no Ba (Blade of Fire).
No one had even dared to challenge Yuma; he had done so much for them. People respected him, so the government couldn’t touch him. If Yuma were to be arrested, the people would revolt and overthrow the government for Yuma’s release. But none of that mattered, because Yuma was still a free man. He walked to the Slayer HQ after investigating mysterious disappearances in a nearby ramen shop, it turned out that the shop owner was on vacation and just forgot to take down the open sign. “What a damn waste of time.” Yuma said. “At least I got free food though.” He added. He had left a note for the owner, who Yuma was sure wouldn’t mind. Yuma looked out onto the horizon of the morning. When he walked into the living quarters, he was surprised to see Tanjiro Kamado and Zenitzu Agatsuma standing there. Tanjiro looked serious. “Yuma! One of the Hashira have appointed us for a special mission in the Entertainment District.” Tanjiro said. “Really? Which one?” Yuma asked. “Tengen Uzui, the sound Hashira.” Tanjiro answered.
Yuma nodded. “I’ll go inform Rengoku Sensei. He planned on helping me learn the other two secret forms.” Yuma said. Yuma walked out of the room. He found Rengoku. “Rengoku Sensei,” Yuma said. Rengoku cut him off. “Yes, yes, Uzui already told me.” Rengoku said. “And he’s not happy about it.” He added. Yuma sensed a third person coming. It was faint, but Yuma could sense it was a powerful fighter from sensing his spirit. Yuma turned around. Tengen Uzui was standing there. “Hello. You must be Yuma. I’ve heard a hell of a lot about you.” Uzui said. “Yes, sir!” Yuma said. Uzui grinned. “I like this one.” He said to Rengoku. “Yes, he’s one of the best the corps has ever produced.” Rengoku said. Uzui laughed. “I wouldn’t go that far.” he said. “No, I mean it. Yuma is Hashira material!” Rengoku said. Uzui looked back at Yuma. “Then I expect a lot from him.” Uzui said. “No slacking off. Not on my watch! Alright, Yuma?” he asked. “Yes, sir.” Yuma said. Uzui grinned. “You’re one of those package deal slayers, aren’t you? The type that works best in a team of others.” Uzui said. “Yes, I am. My squad consists of three other slayers.” Yuma replied. Uzui knew that meant that the odds were in their favor.
